Chelsea ‘can’t compete for title’ says Maresca

Chelsea are not ready to compete with Manchester City and Arsenal for the Premier League title despite their strong start to the season – says manager Enzo Maresca.

Cole Palmer scored four goals in the first half of last week’s win over Brighton which left the Blues a point behind last year’s top two – and two beind early leaders Liverpool.

But Maresca – who won the Championship last season with Leicester – has dismissed the idea Chelsea could win their first title since 2017 this year.

“I really don’t think we can compete with City and Arsenal,” he said. “I really think that, because we are not ready.

“The reason why is that City are working with the same manager for nine years, Arsenal for five years. It’s something that if you want to compete for important things, you need that time.

“We (Chelsea) have been together for three months. It’s a huge difference. I’m really convinced that we cannot compete with that club.

“The target is to improve and slowly, slowly go close to them. But we are not in this moment ready for that.”

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Chelsea host Nottingham Forest on Sunday (14:00 BST) looking to make it four league wins in a row.

After a summer of transfers and behind the scenes speculation Maresca says his side are showing how settled the club actually is.

“When you win games it always creates energy, trust, confidence,” he said. “It’s helping the process.

“But the players are the first to recognise when the team plays well or not. The results are helping but they are convinced because they can see clearly the purpose and identity we have.

“Results help (to bring calm). It’s the reason why it is what it is. For the first two months we had a lot of noise around the club, though I said inside it was quiet. Hopefully we can continue in the way we are now.

“I like to be focused on the things I can control. The only part I can control is the football side. All the noise around the club is something I can not control.”